Victor Cappucci reflects back on his myriad FFA experiences – from attending his first FFA convention in Kansas City … to being named the 1956-57 National FFA Vice President for the North Atlantic Region just weeks after getting married … to working on the staff of The National Future Farmer magazine. Victor encourages FFA members to further their education and get involved in their community.

This interview aired on the January 20, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Monique Pairis-Garcia, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University, explains how evaluations of on-farm animal welfare are done by assessments and by audits. Retailers and other companies offer career opportunities for individuals who can not only perform an audit but also make recommendations on how to improve standards on farms.

This interview aired on the January 20, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

FFA and 4-H have a common goal: to help students develop their leadership skills and their knowledge of agriculture. Chris Cherry, FFA advisor at Scotts Hill High School in Reagan, Tenn., says being a member of both organizations doubles the opportunities. Mackenzie Clark says her membership in both FFA and 4-H has opened doors for her future studies in animal science.

This interview aired on the January 20, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Rico Abreu showed hogs at local fairs and studied viticulture (cultivating grapes for wine) when he was a member of the St. Helena FFA Chapter in California. Another interest was racing, which started with go-carts and expanded to sprint cars and then to NASCAR stock cars. When his racing schedule allows, he enjoys returning home to help his family with the grape harvest.

This interview aired on the January 16, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Davis Fenster, president of the James River FFA Chapter in Virginia, received a $1,000 SAE grant from the National FFA Foundation. Davis plans to use the money to expand his poultry production SAE, which includes raising both laying hens and broilers. By building a second “chicken tractor,” he will be able to double his production.

This interview aired on the January 16, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Joe Ankley, agriscience teacher at North Huron Schools in Michigan, was named the Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2015 Agriscience Educator of the Year. As the North Huron FFA advisor, he saw the chapter’s Ag Issues team win the top award in the state Agricultural Issues Forum CDE with their wind energy presentation. Joe is committed to helping his students develop leadership and life skills.

This interview aired on the January 16, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Caitlin Cox’s love for animals led her to enroll in animal science classes and to become an active FFA member. She talks about some of her experiences as a New Hampshire state FFA officer, including meeting former President George W. Bush. Caitlin now works for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where she is the environmental program manager – and she explains how a Disney internship started her career path and how her job keeps evolving.

This interview aired on the January 9, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Desi Severance, FFA advisor at Wyndmere High School in North Dakota, talks about traveling to Hawaii with Wyndmere FFA members on an agricultural experience trip. During their time in Hawaii, the North Dakota group toured four different ag programs and a university ag research station, and they learned how agriculture differs in the two states.

This interview aired on the January 9, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

FFA jackets are on display at Osborn Barr, an advertising and public relations agency headquartered in St. Louis. Laura Smith, a former FFA member who works at the firm, explains how FFA prepares members “for the rest of their lives.” She says seeing the blue corduroy jackets in the Osborn Barr lobby rekindles her passion to live up to the FFA Creed.

This interview aired on the January 9, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

As a member of the Grassland FFA Chapter at Garden Spot High School in Pennsylvania, Jenna Diehl had a unique SAE project: She trained to become a licensed falconer. After receiving her license, the next step was to trap a hawk – and then she had to teach the hawk not to fear her. Through working with birds of prey, Jenna says she has learned dedication and time management.

This interview first aired on the January 2, 2016 “FFA Today” show on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.